UP govt announces 75 pc irrigation subsidy to Bundelkhand farmers

Lucknow, Aug 12 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh government today announced to provide sprinkler and drip irrigation facilities to SC/ST and small farmers at 75 per cent subsidised rate in the Bundelkhand region.

The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting, presided over by the UP Chief Minister Mayawati.

The budget has been fixed Rs 65,000 and Rs 41,000 respectively for providing 64,372 sprinklers and 5,250 drips.

At least 1,32,00 farmers and 1,61,000 hectare land would be benefited under the system.

Entire irrigation system would be provided to the agrigarians, including pump set, prime-mover and delivery pipes.

Besides, establishment of artificial water bodies and rejuvination of the existing ones for rain water accumulation and conservation in 1.10 lakh hectare of area would also take place.

Water conservation project would be undertaken by the NREGA from the next fiscal year, however, this year efforts would be made to tieup with NREGA regarding the same.

Meanwhile, no alteration would be done in several centre funded projects of the scheme, under which the spinklers were provided at 50 per cent subsidy. However, the state government would give the additional 25 per cent to them.

The farmers could get the sprinkler sets directly from the company centres, which would be opened at the block and district level. However, the payment would be done through the bank cheques of the account holder.

Company would provide five years guarantee and AMC on every product, besides two locals would be trained for the operational and maintenance requirements, who would render the services to their clients in the near future.

It was noted that total agriculture in Bundelkhand region was on the mercy of rain Gods, who had not blessed the farmers with sufficient rainfall for the last few years.